MISS ITALIA 2014

Contestant No. 23 Clarissa Marchese, 20, 1m78, and student in speech therapy, is the new Miss Italia 2014. Her win marks a threepeat for Sicily. The winners from 2012 and 2013 also hailed from Sicily. Plus, her win gives Sicily a total of 11 titles since the contest began. In fact, Sicily is to Miss Italia as Venezuela is to Miss Universe. Runners-up for the Miss Italia 2014 title were Sara Nervo, Guilia Salemi, Claudia Filipponi, and Sara Battisti. 24 competed during the live contest, held in Jesolo and televised on Italian network La7. Hosting duties were provided by Miss Italia 1987 Simona Ventura. Judges included Alena Seredova, who is a) married to Italian soccer player Mario Buffon and b) represented the Czech Republic (and made top ten) at Miss World 1998. The ceremony gave a special happy birthday greeting to Sophia Loren, who herself was a Miss Italia contestant!

The always stunning Alena Seredova! 

16 of the 24 women who competed for the Miss Italia 2014 on finale night. 

Incredible stage and production design! What else would you expect from Italians? 

Take a note, Miss Universe!

P.S. Miss Italia is very transparent judging-wise. After the contest, they reveal the the percentage of votes (public and jury) each of the final five received. The winner received 32,55%; the first runner-up received 22,53%; the second runner-up received 17,20%; the third runner-up received 17,20%; and the fourth runner-up received 12,81%. 

Again, taking an "effing!" note, Miss Universe!